Javier Zanetti RSS feedhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/javier-zanetti
enMessi to face Inter? Zanetti hopes Barcelona star is benchedInter vice-president Javier Zanetti does not want compatriot Lionel Messi to be fit to play for Barcelona against his side.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/messi-face-inter-zanetti-hopes-barcelona-star-benched
Lionel Messi could make his return from a fractured arm against Inter, but vice-president Javier Zanetti hopes his fellow Argentine is on the bench for the Champions League clash.
Barcelona captain Messi missed his team's 2-0 defeat of Inter two weeks ago, with Rafinha deputising and scoring against his old club in the Group B meeting.
Messi has travelled to Milan with the Barca squad but head coach Ernesto Valverde indicated he will not take any risks with his talisman.
And Zanetti, who played with Messi for Argentina, has his fingers crossed Barca opt to give the superstar more time to recover.
"It is a pleasure to see Messi play but I hope he can hold a little more on the bench," Zanetti said to Marca. "Knowing for sure he has a crazy desire to play.
"I expect a very complicated game, they have quality in all their lines but Inter have all the conditions to be able to beat them. We both arrived at a good time.
"I do not think we will see a very different Barca, but they will go out and do the same, they never change their philosophy. They will want to have the leading role but we will be able to counteract that."
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Example: LeoMessi10IsTheG.O.A.T! pic.twitter.com/9t3RPuel8i
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 6, 2018
Messi has not played for Argentina since their disastrous World Cup campaign, with Jorge Sampaoli sacked following his side's last-16 exit against winners France.
The captain, beaten in the 2014 World Cup final and two Copa America finals, has yet to confirm when he may return to international action and is not in the squad for an upcoming double-header of friendlies against Mexico.
"Argentina have good players constantly but to make things go well, there is still a lot to work," added Zanetti, who won 143 caps for the Albiceleste.
"The pressure that has suffered the last generation of Argentine footballers has been for the three lost finals, we are a successful country but you can not measure a group just for that, but for how it reached those finals.
"Leo is so big that we have to enjoy him much more. We Argentines do not realise what Leo represents for the whole world."
The club, its people and the city have been waiting for you.
Welcome, President Zhang. #StevenIsHere #FCIM pic.twitter.com/Cz7WqGl1Zy
— Inter (@Inter_en) October 26, 2018
Inter welcome Barca to San Siro having won their last seven Serie A matches, but despite strong progress under Luciano Spalletti, Zanetti feels there is more work needed at the club.
"This is a club where there is a lot to do. We are in a very solid, positive moment, especially since the Chinese investment," Zanetti said. "There is still much room for improvement in everything.
"Inter came from a stage of difficulties but with the arrival of Suning, everything was restructured. What I have clear is that in order for things to work on the pitch, they must also do so off it.
"For that we have surrounded ourselves with people who know the DNA of Inter. I work on the key projects in brand evaluation, social impact and international relations that have helped the club a lot.
"Qualifying for the Champions League last year was the starting point. For us it is key to have continuity in it, to be always in this constitution but beyond good results, we must be a sustainable club and grow in all areas."
news_articleTue, 06 Nov 2018 11:48:42 +0000Anonymous100087579 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comInter unaware of Real Madrid interest in Icardi, says ZanettiInter vice president Javier Zanetti does not fear losing club captain Mauro Icardi to LaLiga giants Real Madrid.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/inter-unaware-real-madrid-interest-icardi-says-zanetti
Mauro Icardi is happy to stay at Inter and the Serie A side are unaware of interest in their captain from Real Madrid, says vice-president Javier Zanetti.
Icardi has regularly been linked to the LaLiga giants, who have won the Champions League in each of the past three seasons.
But the striker, having hit six Serie A goals so far this season, indicated last month he could sign a new Inter deal.
Zanetti is not worried about the prospect of managerless Madrid making a move for Icardi in the January transfer window.
"Icardi is our captain and our reference, but he is also very happy at Inter," Zanetti told Marca. "We are not aware of any interest from Madrid.
"We are aware that Inter is a healthy club so that we do not have to sell and continue to respect [Financial] Fair Play."
5 - Each of the last five Serie A goals scored by Inter against AC Milan have been netted by Mauro #Icardi, a new record of consecutive goals for an Inter's player in the Milan Derby since 1929/30. Legend.#InterMilan pic.twitter.com/kWaJZ2QLpf
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) October 22, 2018
Madrid have put Santiago Solari in temporary charge following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, whose ill-fated tenure lasted 14 matches.
"I know Santi very well and I know what Real Madrid means to him," Zanetti said. "He has wonderful values ​​as a person, he is a very intelligent guy, a very respectful guy with a great sense of belonging.
"He is developing and this step is going to be relevant for him. Knowing the atmosphere of Madrid so well is the best solution to get out of this situation. He is very prepared for it.
"You have to be patient with the coaches and give them the necessary time. It is important that the club is convinced of this, that a strategic plan is made and not to doubt when the bad moments come."
Here. Let's do this #ForzaInter SOUND ON #InterBarça #InterIsHere #UCL pic.twitter.com/16GakhDroK
— Inter (@Inter_en) November 6, 2018
Former Juventus and Italy head coach Antonio Conte initially appeared the frontrunner to succeed Lopetegui before a reported breakdown in contract talks.
But Zanetti feels Conte, a three-time Serie A winner during his time at Juve, could be a good option for the LaLiga side having left Chelsea at the end of last term.
"Due to his style, great personality and experience, it would not surprise me if Madrid look at him," Zanetti added.
news_articleTue, 06 Nov 2018 11:44:08 +0000Anonymous100087584 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comArgentina should have selected Icardi for the World Cup, Zanetti claimsFormer Argentina and Inter defender Javier Zanetti believes Jorge Sampaoli should have taken Mauro Icardi to the World Cup.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/argentina-should-have-selected-icardi-world-cup-zanetti-claims
Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli made a mistake excluding Inter striker Mauro Icardi from his World Cup squad, according to former defender Javier Zanetti.
Icardi finished the Serie A campaign with 29 goals, taking his overall tally in the league for Inter to a century, but was not named in Sampaoli's final 23 for the tournament in Russia.
The 25-year-old was overlooked again following the injury sustained to Manuel Lanzini, with Argentina instead calling-up Enzo Perez to replace the West Ham midfielder in the squad.
Despite his incredible form at club level, Icardi has earned just four caps for Argentina, but Zanetti believes he will earn more chances in the coming years.
"Mauro Icardi deserved an opportunity for what he did and what he has been doing. I would have liked him to be with us in Russia," Zanetti told reporters.
"He is very young and has a lot of future ahead of him. He will have the opportunity to be part of the Argentine National Team."
111 - Since becoming an Inter player, Mauro #Icardi has scored 100 league goals; only Gonzalo #Higuain (111) has more in Serie A in that time. Dualism. pic.twitter.com/ucBsy7sW95
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 31, 2018
Argentina struggled in their opening Group D match at the World Cup, seeing Lionel Messi have a penalty saved in a 1-1 with tournament debutants Iceland, and Zanetti spoke of his nation's difficulties in the build-up to Russia 2018.
"I do not know if the discussion around Argentina should be about if they have enough as it's just a different stage. This team has great players," he added.
"You have to give it time because the qualifiers were difficult and there was a change of coach."
news_articleTue, 19 Jun 2018 10:31:32 +0000Anonymous100043336 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comWorld Cup can be the making of Neymar, insists ZanettiHopes are high for Brazil ahead of the World Cup in Russia, where Neymar will look to lead his side to glory.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/world-cup-can-be-making-neymar-insists-zanetti
Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti believes Neymar is nearing the same level as serial Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Brazil international was the star of the show for his nation in their home World Cup four years ago, only for his involvement to be cut short following an injury suffered in the quarter-final victory over Colombia.
Neymar subsequently missed the semi-final against Germany, where his team suffered a humbling 7-1 defeat against eventual winners Germany, but will hope to lead his side to glory this year.
Already capped 85 times, Neymar caught the headlines last year with a record transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain as he continued his quest to become the world's best.
Stand up for the #Selecao! #BRA
Will it be a th world crown for Tite's men? pic.twitter.com/6ZNRBS2TLv
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2018
While Messi and Ronaldo are still viewed as the top two, Zanetti feels the PSG forward - who has recovered from a foot injury in time to feature in Russia - is not far behind.
"Neymar is very strong, has great quality and is very close to Messi and Ronaldo," he told Mediaset.
"I believe that this World Cup can be that of his consecration."
Brazil begin their campaign against Switzerland on Sunday, before completing their Group E fixtures against Costa Rica and Serbia.
news_articleThu, 14 Jun 2018 10:37:36 +0000Anonymous100041401 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comArgentina pressure on Messi has increased - ZanettiAfter losing three consecutive finals in international tournaments, Argentina are under pressure to succeed at the 2018 World Cup.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/argentina-pressure-messi-has-increased-zanetti
Former Argentina and Inter defender Javier Zanetti believes pressure on Lionel Messi has increased in recent years following the national side's struggles.
La Albiceleste lost 1-0 to Germany in the World Cup final in Brazil four years ago and also suffered consecutive Copa America defeats to Chile in 2015 and 2016.
Messi, who turns 31 later this month, has won everything he can at club level but has only managed to win an Olympic gold medal with his country in 2008.
Now preparing for what could be his last World Cup, Messi carries the hopes of Argentina on his shoulders again and does so with intensified scrutiny on his performances, according to Zanetti.
"There is a lot of pressure on him, but not only in this competition but also in the past," Zanetti told Mediaset.
"Everyone expects it to be his World Cup and that Argentina can win, but it will be difficult because I see other more equipped national teams.
A R G E N T I N A @TeamMessi, @PauDybala_JR and @Notamendi30 are ready for the #WorldCup#ARG // @Argentina pic.twitter.com/avOefusYso
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2018
"The defeats in the two Copa America and World Cup finals further increase pressures on him and the team from the press. We expect a lot.
"It [the World Cup] stops all the country, there is great enthusiasm and passion for this national team and we hope to get to the end of the competition."
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against debutants Iceland on Saturday, before taking on Croatia and Nigeria to complete their Group D fixtures.
news_articleThu, 14 Jun 2018 10:09:50 +0000Anonymous100041393 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comIcardi is happy at Inter – ZanettiLinked with a move, Mauro Icardi is happy at Inter, according to Javier Zanetti.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/icardi-happy-inter-zanetti
Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti insisted Mauro Icardi was happy at the club despite reports linking the forward with a move.
Icardi, 25, has been linked with a switch to Serie A champions Juventus after scoring 29 goals last season.
But Zanetti played down a potential exit for Icardi, who is contracted until 2021.
"Icardi is very important for us. He is our captain," he told Italia 1.
"We have always said we want him to stay. There are no problems and he is happy to be in Milan."
Icardi has spent five seasons at Inter, scoring at least 26 goals in three of his past four campaigns.
news_articleThu, 14 Jun 2018 01:11:11 +0000Anonymous100041253 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comThe 10 most shocking exclusions from World Cup squadsAfter Mauro Icardi failed to make the Argentina plane for Russia, we’ve picked out some of the most jaw-dropping omissions from previous tournamentshttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/gallery/10-most-shocking-exclusions-world-cup-squads
slideshowFri, 01 Jun 2018 11:44:09 +0000Greg Lea100033442 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comPlaying at Inter isn't easy – Zanetti tempers Martinez excitementLautaro Martinez is closing in on a move to Inter for next season and club icon Javier Zanetti wants supporters to give him time to adapt.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/playing-inter-isnt-easy-zanetti-tempers-martinez-excitement
Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has urged supporters not to expect too much from Lautaro Martinez when he completes his expected switch from Racing Club, insisting adapting to Italian football is not easy.
Martinez is on the verge of a reported €25million transfer having developed into one of South America's most exciting young talents.
Zanetti has high hopes for the 20-year-old, though he has warned him that life at Inter might take a little getting used to.
And he wants supporters to trust in Luciano Spalletti's ability to eventually get the best out of the talented attacker.
"Martinez can play as a centre-forward or out wide," said Zanetti. "He's good at taking men on, helps the team off the ball and has a lot of character.
"He is a promising young man who has already demonstrated his qualities in Argentina.
"Playing in our team is not easy. Playing in Italy isn't easy. He is young and we will not put pressure on him.
"Spalletti will find a way to make him better, then it will be up to him to grow. I am sure he will do well."
news_articleFri, 01 Jun 2018 08:11:29 +0000Anonymous100036942 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comIcardi wants Inter stay – Zanetti not worried about speculationInter forward Mauro Icardi has been linked with the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid but Javier Zanetti is unconcerned.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/icardi-wants-inter-stay-zanetti-not-worried-about-speculation
Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti insisted captain Mauro Icardi wants to remain with the Serie A club amid transfer speculation.
Icardi helped Inter qualify for the Champions League but the skipper – who reportedly has a €110million release clause – has been linked with Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Zanetti was asked about Icardi's future but the former Inter captain said he is not concerned over the 25-year-old forward.
"It's disappointing he's not going to the World Cup, as he has proved he fits in with the Argentina squad," Zanetti told reporters.
"When you have a champion like him in the team, it's only normal to receive many offers, but Mauro is the captain and a reference point for Inter.
"We are happy to have him here and he is happy to be with us. We are not worried by transfer speculation, because he manifested his desire to remain and we in the Champions League, so wish to continue together.
"Every time he steps on to the field, he shows how much he cares about Inter."
Icardi scored a joint-high 29 goals in 34 Serie A games in 2017-18 as Inter finished fourth in the standings.
news_articleFri, 01 Jun 2018 01:25:59 +0000Anonymous100036855 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comThe 10 most shocking exclusions from World Cup squadsWhoever eventually misses out on Russia 2018, theyll have to go some way to match these jaw-dropping omissionsSean Colehttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/10-shocking-exclusions-world-cup-squads
Gunnar Nordahl (1950)A self-inflicted move on the part of Sweden's FA, who'd inexplicably banned professionals from abroad from playing for the national team. Gunnar Nordahl was his country’s undoubted star, having led Sweden to success at the 1948 Olympics.He was top scorer in that tournament, and had plundered 43 goals in 33 caps by the time his move to Milan essentially forced him into an early retirement from international football. Sweden finished third at the 1950 World Cup with a team of domestic amateurs but could have won if their fearsome strikeforce of Nordahl, Gunnar Gren and Niels Lindholm had been allowed to play.All three had joined Milan in 1949, ruling themselves out of contention. While a relaxing of the rules meant that Gren and Lindholm eventually got their chance to play in the 1958 World Cup– where Sweden were beaten finalists– Nordahl had already hung up his boots by that stage. He remains the third-highest scorer in Serie A history.Carlos Alberto (1966)A rampaging right-back with excellent leadership skills, Alberto was surprisingly left out of Brazil’s 1966 World Cup squad. He was part of the 44-man training group selected by Vicente Feola but failed to make the final cut.Tensions in the camp were behind what proved to be Brazil’s worst performance at a World Cup, as the holders crashed out at the group stage.Alberto’s good form for Santos got him reinstated to the national team, and subsequently earned him the captain's armband as Brazil tasted success at Mexico 1970. In the final, he put the finishing touch to one of the tournament’s greatest ever goals, crashing home a Pele lay-off at the end of a long passing move.GREAT GOALS RETOLDCarlos Alberto vs Italy, 1970– in his own wordsTony Adams (1990)The first player to represent England born after the 1966 World Cup win, Adams made his debut against Spain in 1987. He went to Euro '88 the following year, where he scored against the Soviet Union, but Bobby Robson’s side finished bottom of their group.Adams nonetheless looked set to be an important component of England's future, with his doughty defending and organisational skills coming to the fore– but he was left out of the squad for Italia '90 only a year on from helping Arsenal to the First Division title.Despite not featuring once in qualifying for the competition, Derby's Mark Wright was preferred to the young Gunners captain. In fairness, the Rams defender played a significant role for England after Bobby Robson switched to a back three following a stodgy opening game against the Republic of Ireland– and even grabbed the only goal in the Three Lions' 1-0 win over Egypt.Liam Brady (1990)Everyone knew what to expect from Jack Charlton’s Irish side, but dealing with it was another matter entirely. They had a direct and bracing style which plenty of more talented teams failed to cope with.Craft and subtlety weren’t high on the agenda, and skilful playmakers like Liam Brady suffered as a result. One of Ireland’s greatest ever players, he retired during qualification for the World Cup, but then reversed his decision before the tournament.Brady, however, was one of two players who stayed at home despite having taken part in some of the qualifiers, while Charlton took three uncapped players with him to Italy. Ireland reached the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by hosts Italy.Paul Gascoigne (1998)Gazza was undoubtedly past his best in 1998, yet there was still a strong romantic appeal to the idea of taking the darling of Italia '90 to another World Cup. His career had been blighted by injuries and personal demons, but he still had captivating ability with the ball at his feet.He’d recently left Rangers to help Middlesbrough return to the Premier League, although his fitness and focus were again under question. Still, Gascoigne was part of a pre-tournament training camp in La Manga– but then became one of six omitted from Glenn Hoddle’s final squad.The maverick midfielder was devastated when told the news in Hoddle's hotel room, which he duly went on to trash. He never played for England again.Roberto Baggio (2002)Baggio had unfinished business as far as the World Cup was concerned. He’d been to the previous three tournaments, once coming agonisingly close to success, and was hopeful of making it to a fourth.A decisive missed penalty in the USA '94 Final shootout weighed heavily on his shoulders, and eight years onhe was keen to make amends. After leaving Inter, Baggio had received lucrative offers from abroad but elected to stay in Serie A to boost his chances of being selected.The silky striker started the 2001/02 season at Brescia in fine fettle, scoring eight goals in his first nine matches– but then injury struck. He returned to save his club from relegation, but it wasn’t enough to convince Giovanni Trapattoni that he deserved a place at the World Cup. Supporters were devastated and Italy were eliminated in the second round.Romario (2002)Another all-time great keen to extend his international career at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The Brazilian goal machine was popular with the public, but not so much his manager and various team-mates.Perceived as a disruptive influence, Romario's relationship with Luiz Felipe Scolari had soured after the 2001 Copa America when he unexpectedly withdrew from the squad to play for Vasco da Gama and then go on holiday.Even at the age of 36he struggled to follow the rules, and was punished by missing the World Cup. Not even impressive form for his club side, and an emotional appeal to the manager, was enough to change Scolari’s mind. Brazil went on to lift the trophy, with Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho integral to their triumph.Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti (2010)Appointing Diego Maradona as national team manager was a desperate last throw of the dice. World Cup qualification was secured in dramatic circumstances, but there was little to vindicate Maradona aside from his legendary status.Puzzling decisions were a hallmark of his brief tenure as Argentina boss, and none more so than the double exclusion of Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti from his squad for South Africa. Both were central to Jose Mourinho’s Treble-winning 2009/10 season at Inter, but somehow missed out.In contrast, Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez– decent but unremarkable players fresh from a season in the Championship with Newcastle– made the cut and even started the opening game.Landon Donovan (2014)It’s difficult to overstate Donovan’s place in the USA’s football landscape. Widely regarded as the national team’s greatest ever player, he collected 157 caps and appeared in three successive World Cups.He was keen to make it four in 2014, but it wasn’t to be. Donovan had missed a few qualifying matches but was still considered an automatic selection by most, apart from the person who mattered: Jurgen Klinsmann controversially dropped him from his preliminary squad.Some fresh faces, including 19-year-old Julian Green, were included at Donovan’s expense as the USA reached the second round... where they exited to Belgium.World Cup Wonderland: stories, interviews and moreNew features you'd love on FourFourTwo.comfeatureMon, 21 May 2018 16:18:18 +0000Alex Reid100033106 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comSpain hammering equals record Argentina defeatWithout five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, Argentina suffered a 6-1 loss to Spain, equalling their heaviest margin of defeat.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/spain-hammering-equals-record-argentina-defeat
Argentina's 6-1 defeat to Spain in Tuesday's international friendly equalled the country's heaviest loss on a miserable night for Jorge Sampaoli's side in Madrid.
Nicolas Otamendi's goal six minutes before half-time looked to have put Argentina back in contention after early Spain strikes from Diego Costa and Isco but the South Americans – without five-time Ballon d'Or winner and captain Lionel Messi – collapsed in the second half.
On a night when Javier Mascherano equalled Javier Zanetti's Argentina caps record of 142, Sampaoli's men were found woefully short all over the field and Isco grabbed his second goal seven minutes into the second half, with Thiago Alcantara making it 4-1 moments later.
The scoreline was made emphatic inside two minutes when substitute Iago Aspas scored shortly before Isco completed his hat-trick and left Argentina's World Cup preparations in a sorry state.
1-6 - #Argentina have equalled their worst defeat in history: 1-6 v Czechoslovakia (1958 WC), 1-6 v Bolivia (2010, WCQ), 1-6 v Spain, today. Shock. pic.twitter.com/cXSuG0nTEN
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) March 27, 2018
The last time Argentina lost by five goals was a 6-1 drubbing to Bolivia in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and they were previously beaten by the same scoreline by Czechoslovakia in 1958.
Tuesday's rout represented Spain's biggest win over a side with a World Cup win to their name.
6 - Spain have won 6-1 vs Argentina scoring their six shots on target (100%), the biggest win for Spain against a World Champion ever. Punch pic.twitter.com/sr5Ap6yrDE
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 27, 2018
news_articleTue, 27 Mar 2018 22:12:58 +0000Anonymous100014206 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comMascherano matches Zanetti's Argentina caps recordJavier Zanetti's record of 142 caps for Argentina has been matched by versatile midfielder Javier Mascherano.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mascherano-matches-zanettis-argentina-caps-record
Javier Mascherano has drawn level with Javier Zanetti as the most-capped player for Argentina.
The 33-year-old won his 142nd cap in Tuesday's international friendly against Spain at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
Mascherano, who joined Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune from Barcelona in January, made his official Argentina debut in 2004.
He is now set to break Zanetti's record in the build-up to the World Cup, where Argentina have been drawn against Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in the group stage.
142 - Including the game against Spain, Javier Mascherano equals Javier Zanetti as the most capped player for Argentina. Chief. pic.twitter.com/9KrL9fxzYm
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) March 27, 2018
news_articleTue, 27 Mar 2018 20:06:43 +0000Anonymous100014130 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comIcardi must keep performing to earn Argentina recall, says ZanettiThe only way for Mauro Icardi to prove Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli wrong is to keep impressing for Inter, according to Javier Zanetti.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/icardi-must-keep-performing-earn-argentina-recall-says-zanetti
Javier Zanetti remains hopeful that Mauro Icardi can earn a place in Argentina's World Cup squad if he performs for Inter.
Nerazzurri captain Icardi has not been included in Jorge Sampaoli's latest selection, with the coach claiming the "transition of his performance from Inter to Argentina weren't the best".
But Inter vice-president Zanetti - himself formerly an Argentina international - still believes the opportunity is there for Icardi to go to Russia as long as the 22-goal forward continues to deliver in Serie A.
"I do not know what Sampaoli's final decision will be," Zanetti told Premium Sport. "I can only say that we are very happy with Mauro - he is our captain and he is proving his worth.
"He is showing that he can aspire to go to the World Cup, but I do not know when and how decisions will be made. The most important thing is that Mauro goes on like this and I hope for him that he can go to the World Cup."
6 - Mauro Icardi has bagged his 6th hat-trick in Serie A - a league-high since his debut in 2012/13. Bomber. #SampdoriaInter
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) March 18, 2018
Inter are closing in on the signing of Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez, but Zanetti added that this will not be a problem for Icardi.
"Lautaro has a bright future ahead of him," he said. "He can play together with Mauro."
And after Inter climbed back into the Champions League places in Serie A last weekend, Zanetti is well aware that a derby clash with AC Milan in the coming weeks will prove decisive in their European bid.
"Yes, it will be decisive for fourth place," he said. "The derby is always a very important game because it is very heartfelt. These will be two big teams that have the same goal.
"But first we have to think about Verona, then we will prepare for the match against Milan."
news_articleFri, 23 Mar 2018 17:40:46 +0000Anonymous100012974 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comZanetti doubts Inter's Scudetto credentialsInter are flying high in Serie A, but Javier Zanetti believes winning the title will be a tall order.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/zanetti-doubts-inters-scudetto-credentials
Javier Zanetti maintains that Inter's primary goal this season is to qualify for the Champions League and believes other challengers in Serie A are "better equipped" to win the Scudetto.
The Nerazzurri are riding high in Italy's top flight this season having won nine and drawn two of their 11 matches to sit two points adrift of leaders Napoli in a congested title picture.
Inter last won the title in 2010 and have not played Champions League football since 2011-12, and Zanetti credits the team's impressive showing to the work of head coach Luciano Spalletti, who made the switch to San Siro from Roma in the close season.
But Inter great Zanetti, who is now the club's vice president, believes it is still a tall order to win the league this term.
"We are demonstrating great consistency," he told Corriere dello Sport.
"With the Scudetto, there are sides that are better equipped, but thanks to Spalletti and the other guys there is great enthusiasm around the team now.
"Winning is always very difficult, but I think the most important thing for us is that we are proving to be protagonists.
"The objective is to qualify for the Champions League, because the Champions League is an important showcase and makes you grow as a club.
"This year we have started to lay the foundations for the future, which will allow us to be competitive again. That is the role this Inter should always have.
"It takes a team, but equally important for those who work outside the camp. Along with the fans, we must always be on the same wavelength to take Inter back where it belongs."
Zanetti is rightly considered as one of the greatest full-backs to have graced Serie A and the former Argentina international highlighted the man he sees as one of the best in the position playing today.
"Everyone has their own characteristics," he added. "But I would say Alessandro Florenzi at Roma.
"I like his professionalism, the way he reads the game and the passion he puts into everything he does."
news_articleSat, 04 Nov 2017 12:52:22 +0000Anonymous782328 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comRevealed! The stories behind 20 of the strangest player nicknames in footballWe discard dull epithets such as Wazza, JT and Stevie G to bring you some of the sport's more interesting monikers from across the worldhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/gallery/revealed-stories-behind-20-strangest-player-nicknames-football
slideshowFri, 13 Oct 2017 10:54:10 +0000Greg Lea774551 at https://www.fourfourtwo.com